The Impact of Media on Adolescent Behavior: Exploring Deviance and Social Norms

Abstract

DEVIANCE Introduction: Definition of The Problem According to (Robert 1), deviance is a behavior that violates a norm beyond the tolerance of a group. Society has a great significance in shaping behavior. Everybody has their norms and are entitled to their opinion. Deviant behavior may be considered wrong by another, but a right to another, i.e., consuming alcohol, maybe normative at a college fraternity party but not at a Baptist picnic (Robert 2). However, the decision regarding what is wrong or right is influenced by society. Anything that goes astray in the eyes of society is termed deviant behavior. Deviance takes many forms, for instance, murder, substance abuse, criminal activities, secularity, sexual assaults, outrageous behaviors among teenagers and youth, deviating media, bullying, cyberbullying, vulgar language in music, and unhealthy competition. The list of deviant behavior is endless. Individuals tend to deviate from societal expectations; society punishes deviant behavior through the stipulation of laws. LITERATURE REVIEW Deviance defines human conduct and societal perspective on behavior. Media influence on adolescent behavior has become a subject of concern and interest among many researchers due to society and the individual's sociological implications. Adolescents are considered the most vulnerable individuals in society regarding their teenage state. Adolescents are critical individuals in the community and are significantly impacted by the media. Their behaviors are shaped by external influences, which includes the media. The media can be beneficial to them but sometimes destructive and detrimental to adolescents. Adolescents are losing the crowns to violence, inappropriate sexuality Media entails television, radios, movies, and music videos. It forms a social environment that young people grow in today and impacts on formulating their social norms. Teenagers spend most of their time watching and listening to music. Most interactions portrayed in the media are sexual. Instances of alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and drug use are manifested in these media platforms. According to (Impact of media use on children and youth, 309) “Music videos may have a significant behavioral impact by desensitizing viewers to violence and making teenagers more likely to approve of premarital sex. Up to 75% of videos contain sexually explicit material, and more than half contain violence that is often committed against women. Women are portrayed frequently in a condescending manner that affects children’s attitudes about sex roles”. Lyrics in songs relate to violence, substance abuse, and sex. Adolescents exposed to media content such as explicit music videos are susceptible to deviant sexual behavior. Their attitudes on sexual matters change into them believing sex is normality at their age. Theory Of Functionalism On The Impact Of Media On The Young. Contemporary society is characterized by social changes erupting from media and technology. This generation of youth has been confronted with media content with a heavy impact not seen in the past. According to a functionalist point of view (Durkheim, 1972), individuals were believed to adopt the roles given to them. The functionalist theory explains how an individual internalizes social values and norms exposed to them. Socialization has seen a significant influence in establishing behavior. Functionalism explains that media binds society together. Media has adverse effects on our attitudes...